How to Clean and Store Your Dildo

Buying your first dildo is an exciting experience but learning how to clean it isn't quite as thrilling. However, with a little practice you'll discover that sex toy maintenance is actually very easy and quick to do!

First, establish what material your dildo is made from. You can find this out by checking the packaging it came in or looking on the LoveHoney sex toys site:

Once you know what material it is, simply check our guide below to find out exactly what you need to do to keep your dildo in tip-top shape.

Glass

Made of reinforced, shatter-proof glass, these dildos really couldn't be easier to clean. In fact, they're dishwasher safe - just like a Pyrex casserole dish! Although we wouldn't advise putting them in the same wash together.

If you don't fancy putting your glass dildo in the dishwasher, simply wash it in warm water, using a little LoveHoney Advanced Sex Toy Cleaner on any bumps or ridges to guarantee complete cleanliness, then dry with a clean tissue or soft cloth.

Glass dildos will never damage or react with any of your other sex toys but for extra protection, LoveHoney branded glass dildos come with their own velvet pouch.

Wood

Wood is a surprisingly durable, heat retaining material that is perfect for use in dildos. Ultra smooth and splinter free, wood is easy to clean and even easier to store.

Wash your wooden dildo in warm water or wipe it down a damp cloth and anti-bacterial cleaner. Afterwards, just rub it dry with a clean tissue or soft cloth and you are ensured years of pleasurable play!

Wooden dildos are finished with an impermeable, non-toxic coating that means it can be stored on the bedside table, in its protective box or even in the shed if you want!

Rubber

Most rubber dildos are slightly porous meaning that if you don't clean them properly, bacteria can build up and cause infections and discomfort. To prevent this from happening, you can do two things:

1. Use a brand new condom over your dildo each time you use it.

2. Wash it in warm water, paying careful attention to any bumps, ridges or areas where bacteria can gather, spray it thoroughly with LoveHoney Advanced Sex Toy Cleaner then pat dry with a soft cloth.

Certain types of rubber will react with other sex toy materials so we advise storing them separately in a cool, moisture-free place, away from direct sunlight.

Metal

Metal dildos really are a work of art! Beautifully crafted from stainless steel or anodized aluminium, these rigid sex toys are amazing to use and easy to clean.

Wash in hot water, wipe over with a damp cloth or spray with Sex Toy Cleaner. Whichever way you choose to clean your metal dildo, just be sure to avoid abrasive cleaning agents otherwise you'll lose that lustrous shine.

Storage is easy as your metal dildo will not react with any other materials, although they do look great when presented on a mantelpiece as beautiful (albeit kinky) art pieces!

Plastic

Solid plastic is a godsend when it comes to sex toy materials. Rigid, strong and with the ability to carry vibrations well, plastic is not only fun and easy to use; it's fun and easy to clean too!

Wash plastic dildos in hot water with a little anti-bacterial soap or LoveHoney Advanced Sex Toy Cleaner to get it really clean. But be careful - plastic vibrating dildos sometimes lack a waterproof rubber seal meaning that it will fill up with water if submersed!

Store plastic dildos separately as certain coatings will react with other sex toys.

Realistic Feel

PleasureSkin, UR3, CyberSkin, Loveclone, Futurotic Plus, Real-Skin, Sensafirm, Soft-Touch - whatever you call it, it basically translates to an ultra realistic sex toy that looks and feels fantastic!

To clean your realistic feel dildo you need to make sure you get into every lump, bump, ridge and vein to prevent bacteria building up. The best way to do this is by rinsing it under hot water, spraying it with LoveHoney Advanced Sex Toy Cleaner, rubbing it gently, then repeating two or three times.

You may find that your realistic feel dildo becomes sticky or tacky after cleaning, but by dusting it with a little cornstarch/cornflour or slipping a condom over it before each use; you'll increase the life of your dildo dramatically.

Store separately in a cool, dark place and prevent it from touching other sex toys which may react with it.

Silicone

Silicone dildos are hard wearing, heat retaining, non-porous, ultra strong and body safe.

To clean your silicone dildo, you have 3 choices:

1. Pop it in the dishwasher.

2. Boil it for a few minutes.

3. Wipe it clean with a wet cloth and sex toy cleaner.

Because silicone is so durable, you can store it anywhere although a great storage solution is to purchase one of our sex toy cases which keeps your dildo hidden from prying eyes and free from dust.